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Dominar or fz25 or tb350

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  • Dominar or fz25 or tb350

    Hi xbhpians,
    Im manoj from hyderabad and im planning to buy a bike in a months time. I have zeroed it on the tb350 when i learnt about fz25 and the dominar 400.
    Im 25 years of age weighing 70 kgs and 5.8 in height. 80 percent for city use and 20 percent for highways(well havent been on any long rides till date owing to career prospects. However im looking forward to start this new hobby real soon.)
    Budget 2 lakhs max.

    Things looking into in the new bike
    1. Reliability
    2. Maintenance
    3. Ride quality
    4. Mileage
    5. Longetivity
    6. Resale value
    7. Peace of mind

    Many ppl suggested not to go for a tb350 unless am a fan of RE and also questioned the quality issues.
    FZ25 looks good overall but felt overpriced.
    By paying 30k extra over the fz25 i can buy a dominar 400 with the abs and slipper clutch instead.
    Upon searching the web i find a very extreme divide talk for the dominar. Its either too good or bad.
    Now im back in the grey area about what to choose among these three.

    Kindly suggest me the best buy among these three.

    TIA

  • #2
    Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

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    • #3
      Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

      Originally posted by ksvm View Post
      Hi xbhpians,
      Im manoj from hyderabad and im planning to buy a bike in a months time. I have zeroed it on the tb350 when i learnt about fz25 and the dominar 400.
      Im 25 years of age weighing 70 kgs and 5.8 in height. 80 percent for city use and 20 percent for highways(well havent been on any long rides till date owing to career prospects. However im looking forward to start this new hobby real soon.)
      Budget 2 lakhs max.


      Things looking into in the new bike
      1. Reliability
      2. Maintenance
      3. Ride quality
      4. Mileage
      5.
      Longetivity
      6. Resale value
      7. Peace of mind

      Sorry for the late post.

      I think you might even have bought a bike by now

      Bolded are the things we share in common and I was also in the same dilemma

      After searching a lot (as this is going to be my first bike with own salary), I made a decision to go for FZ25

      Reasons:
      • I'm not at all a fan of RE (I don't find anything interesting in them considering the maneuverability, mileage and maintenance perspectives)
      • Now comes Dominar vs FZ: This was the most difficult part of the decision. Took multiple TR of both bikes and was impressed every time. No doubt Dominar has terrific on paper performance, but I found it quite difficult to maneuver in B2B traffic conditions.
      • I'm not really impressed with the instrument cluster of FZ25 and Dominar's one is so tempting, but something has to be sacrificed
      • Another thing, as Dominar is 1st high-end product by Bajaj and they are giving their best for its success, I am not really assured of it (considering many conflicting reviews of Dominar by Bajaj fanboys and haters). On the other hand, FZ25 is coming from an old and proven FZ family by Yamaha (known for its reliability and consistency)
      • I'll surely miss ABS with FZ but the difference is massive 50k between FZ25 and Dominar (ABS), 30% more....can't afford happily
      • Mileage is 25-30 vs 35-40 (savings of that 30% cost per km is vital part for me)
      • Considering our usage ratio, FZ25 is the best ride for the city and also for frequent highway rides.


      Hope it'll help for the people like us

      Riding is not just a skill, it's an attitude

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

        FZ25 surely isn't overpriced if you consider the fact that it's a 250cc coming from a Japanese stable. And for 80% of city usage, you won't need the kind of power Dominor has. FZ25 misses out on ABS which is one of the minus points but again, that would have pushed up the price by at least 10K. The lack of slipper clutch isn't a deal breaker. While Dominor is one of the best VFM products as most in the Bajaj line-up is, it's more suited for regular long distance touring - and was possibly introduced as a competitor of RE twins.
        A bike on the road is worth two in the shed.

        Weekend Rides Around Kolkata
        My Ride To Sunderbans -
        Hemnagar & Samsernagar
        Saagar Kinare - Bakkhali Calling

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

          Originally posted by raahul11 View Post
          Sorry for the late post.

          I think you might even have bought a bike by now

          Bolded are the things we share in common and I was also in the same dilemma

          After searching a lot (as this is going to be my first bike with own salary), I made a decision to go for FZ25

          Reasons:
          • I'm not at all a fan of RE (I don't find anything interesting in them considering the maneuverability, mileage and maintenance perspectives)
          • Now comes Dominar vs FZ: This was the most difficult part of the decision. Took multiple TR of both bikes and was impressed every time. No doubt Dominar has terrific on paper performance, but I found it quite difficult to maneuver in B2B traffic conditions.
          • I'm not really impressed with the instrument cluster of FZ25 and Dominar's one is so tempting, but something has to be sacrificed
          • Another thing, as Dominar is 1st high-end product by Bajaj and they are giving their best for its success, I am not really assured of it (considering many conflicting reviews of Dominar by Bajaj fanboys and haters). On the other hand, FZ25 is coming from an old and proven FZ family by Yamaha (known for its reliability and consistency)
          • I'll surely miss ABS with FZ but the difference is massive 50k between FZ25 and Dominar (ABS), 30% more....can't afford happily
          • Mileage is 25-30 vs 35-40 (savings of that 30% cost per km is vital part for me)
          • Considering our usage ratio, FZ25 is the best ride for the city and also for frequent highway rides.


          Hope it'll help for the people like us
          Thanks bro. From what you finally say I get to understand that you suggest me to go for fz25 over dominar mostly in terms of affordability and maintenance. What would you suggest if I bring in 200 rs pulsar? What would you suggest among rs200 and fz25?

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

            Originally posted by krishna77 View Post
            FZ25 surely isn't overpriced if you consider the fact that it's a 250cc coming from a Japanese stable. And for 80% of city usage, you won't need the kind of power Dominor has. FZ25 misses out on ABS which is one of the minus points but again, that would have pushed up the price by at least 10K. The lack of slipper clutch isn't a deal breaker. While Dominor is one of the best VFM products as most in the Bajaj line-up is, it's more suited for regular long distance touring - and was possibly introduced as a competitor of RE twins.
            Ok. That sounds reasonable Krishna. What would you suggest among pulsar 200rs and fz25?

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

              Originally posted by ksvm View Post
              Ok. That sounds reasonable Krishna. What would you suggest among pulsar 200rs and fz25?
              If I were you, I'd have selected FZ25 because of the refinement, quality and longevity. But, 200RS has some raw power which has some following!
              Again it all comes down to one's personal preference.
              A bike on the road is worth two in the shed.

              Weekend Rides Around Kolkata
              My Ride To Sunderbans -
              Hemnagar & Samsernagar
              Saagar Kinare - Bakkhali Calling

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

                Originally posted by ksvm View Post
                Thanks bro. From what you finally say I get to understand that you suggest me to go for fz25 over dominar mostly in terms of affordability and maintenance. What would you suggest if I bring in 200 rs pulsar? What would you suggest among rs200 and fz25?
                The expectations I've from my bike are exactly in the same order by priorities:
                Things looking into in the new bike
                1. Reliability
                2. Maintenance
                3. Ride quality
                4. Mileage
                5. Longetivity
                6. Resale value
                7. Peace of mind

                yeah, the same you mentioned.

                And I believe Yamaha outstands Bajaj in at least first few.

                I'll go for FZ25

                another reason being, I love naked bikes

                Even if it had FZ25 vs NS200, I would have chosen FZ because NS has not really evolved over the years and even it was discontinued for a couple of years (though, I'm unaware of the reason). The kind of refinement and big bike feel (soundnote) FZ25 gives is not comparable with NS200 IMO.

                Riding is not just a skill, it's an attitude

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

                  Originally posted by ksvm View Post
                  Thanks bro. From what you finally say I get to understand that you suggest me to go for fz25 over dominar mostly in terms of affordability and maintenance. What would you suggest if I bring in 200 rs pulsar? What would you suggest among rs200 and fz25?
                  I think RS is full faired bike vs FZ25 which is naked. Personally even in styling front RS is too overdone IMO. So if you compare NS200 vs FZ25, I will still recommend FZ25.
                  1. FZ25 looks big and muscular than NS
                  2. Rear tyre size
                  3. Excellent milage (getting 39kmpl in pune traffic)
                  4. FZ25 is torque king.. so much low end power is available that you can keep on floating on that torque and in city its boon.
                  5. Performance is as good as duke200 with almost 50k cheaper with proper exhaust note
                  6. Pillion comfort is really nice.
                  7. Plush n composed ride
                  8. Handling is sure footed and dont feel the weight at all.
                  9. Being a proper quarter litre bike, I think this is the cheapest quarter liter bike available in terms of pricing.
                  10. Reliability

                  Now coming back to ns200
                  1. It has top end power so you will get more top speed. But how many time you want to hit 140+ on daily basis, and I personally never recommend anyone to go above 100kmph on bike considering road n safety of our roads
                  2. 6th gear. Yes I souly miss the 6th gear in my fz25
                  3. Oil cooled vs air cooled. If specs makes you happy this is one point which will make ns200 better than fz25

                  Cheers mate!!

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

                    Originally posted by Abhi6481 View Post
                    I think RS is full faired bike vs FZ25 which is naked. Personally even in styling front RS is too overdone IMO. So if you compare NS200 vs FZ25, I will still recommend FZ25.
                    1. FZ25 looks big and muscular than NS
                    2. Rear tyre size
                    3. Excellent milage (getting 39kmpl in pune traffic)
                    4. FZ25 is torque king.. so much low end power is available that you can keep on floating on that torque and in city its boon.
                    5. Performance is as good as duke200 with almost 50k cheaper with proper exhaust note
                    6. Pillion comfort is really nice.
                    7. Plush n composed ride
                    8. Handling is sure footed and dont feel the weight at all.
                    9. Being a proper quarter litre bike, I think this is the cheapest quarter liter bike available in terms of pricing.
                    10. Reliability

                    Now coming back to ns200
                    1. It has top end power so you will get more top speed. But how many time you want to hit 140+ on daily basis, and I personally never recommend anyone to go above 100kmph on bike considering road n safety of our roads
                    2. 6th gear. Yes I souly miss the 6th gear in my fz25
                    3. Oil cooled vs air cooled. If specs makes you happy this is one point which will make ns200 better than fz25

                    Cheers mate!!
                    I would definitely bank on the FZ25 as a sure shot for your needs. It has a very frugal engine that used to run on Xt250 - a semi off-road bike. It is definitely reliable, easy to handle and maneuver, gives you better acceleration due to the low end torque and light weight chassis, better fuel average.

                    Don't worry about missing the 6th Gear - I do agree with experience that a 6th gear would be nice, but not an absolute necessity. Why? Presumably because, if they had put a 6th gear on a 20bhp machine, then probably you might have had to drop down gears when you overtake other vehicle or trailer trucks. Instead the 5th gear provides you that pull with just a twist of accelerator and no need to change gears.

                    Slipper clutches make sense for corner craving race tracks where you need to drop gear around the curve to pick up straight line acceleration as soon as you turn around. While it may seem as a nice feature, on a daily commute basis it makes no sense if you aren't redlining your bike. But yes, an ABS would probably have added additional safety, but nevertheless, the brakes on FZ are really good and provide you more than enough confidence to ride it.
                    There are no short-cuts to any place worth going. So ride safe when you are treading uncharted roads.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

                      Please comment on Apache RTR 2004V vs FZ25

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

                        Originally posted by prajnyan View Post
                        I would definitely bank on the FZ25 as a sure shot for your needs. It has a very frugal engine that used to run on Xt250 - a semi off-road bike. It is definitely reliable, easy to handle and maneuver, gives you better acceleration due to the low end torque and light weight chassis, better fuel average.

                        Don't worry about missing the 6th Gear - I do agree with experience that a 6th gear would be nice, but not an absolute necessity. Why? Presumably because, if they had put a 6th gear on a 20bhp machine, then probably you might have had to drop down gears when you overtake other vehicle or trailer trucks. Instead the 5th gear provides you that pull with just a twist of accelerator and no need to change gears.

                        Slipper clutches make sense for corner craving race tracks where you need to drop gear around the curve to pick up straight line acceleration as soon as you turn around. While it may seem as a nice feature, on a daily commute basis it makes no sense if you aren't redlining your bike. But yes, an ABS would probably have added additional safety, but nevertheless, the brakes on FZ are really good and provide you more than enough confidence to ride it.
                        Thanks for the advice bro. I’ve test driven both of them. I felt each of them unique by themselves. Even after your advice ,I personally feel that dominar 400 is better. Moreover I felt that fz25 looked almost similar to these fz16. Is it only the reputation that Yamaha holds and the cost factor that u guys advices me to go for the fz25 or is there anything else?

                        Kindly help.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

                          Originally posted by ksvm View Post
                          Thanks for the advice bro. I’ve test driven both of them. I felt each of them unique by themselves. Even after your advice ,I personally feel that dominar 400 is better. Moreover I felt that fz25 looked almost similar to these fz16. Is it only the reputation that Yamaha holds and the cost factor that u guys advices me to go for the fz25 or is there anything else?

                          Kindly help.
                          Bro ,
                          Dominar and FZ 25 are of different characters ,
                          Dominar is a more tech offering Machine . As it offers ABS , Slipper clutch , 4valve Engine , Liquid cooling , 32 Led unit Headlight , and a whooping 373 CC Engine.
                          Yes it offers these cool new tech that is pretty useful for a rider on any Day , Especially Dual channel ABS is something which is much appreciated !

                          But inspite of all that hi tech ,after intensive research , conversations and test rides .
                          «I bought the Yamaha FZ 25 !»

                          Yes I would loved the new tech any day.
                          But all those cool features is something which is a luxury for me , not a necessity.
                          Like you You I was also very confused , and having watched many reviews and comparisons of the FZ 25 and Dominar , taking suggestions from friends who own these Machines..
                          Yes i was skeptical about the Quality of the machine as Bajaj is notoriously infamous for the quality offered in their Bikes ,
                          But Dominar is the Flagship of the Brand and it lives up to it , it is the most refined Bajaj Machine ever and even the fit and finish has drastically improved .
                          Even then I don’t think that it could compete with a Yamaha at any point in terms of quality and refinement . I am not into Yamaha Reputation and I am not a Yamaha Fan boy .
                          I made up my mind only after riding the bikes Dominar was noticeably heavy and harder to Maneuver in the peak traffic, As I needed my bike to do a good 80km commute daily at peak hours and a occasional tour of long stretch. Also the Dominar I rode was just 4-5 months old but as like many Bajaj Machines there was this irritating sound from the chain socket! But where the dominar shines is on the highway ,it is planted on the ground that power and torque is justified with the hefty weight and cruising is splendid . But again the weight bites back when you do a cornering . I am only 70 kg and I am not that masculine , I could corner the bike with a good lean angle but the problem is when you lift it up to lean to the other side it takes time ! And I was not confident in the dominar .
                          But on The FZ 25 , Even with that flat profile rear tyres I could carve the corners easily , mainly because of the light weight and low seating position . Also in the cities the FZ is easily flickable and I could easily move through Cars and other vehicles .

                          So in conclusion what i got is something what I needed .
                          And I would suggest you also to procure what you ‘need’ and not what you ‘want’.

                          If you are a heavy tourer and use the bike in the cities for a small duration go for Dominar !
                          If you want a versatile Allrounder with practicality and quality then go for FZ 25 .
                          You ride both the bikes especially in different terrains and in both day and night.
                          Then decide.
                          Abs and 32 led units !!!
                          I wanted to have those Tech but When in use I don’t need it .

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

                            And FZ 25 is any day better than Pulsar RS 200 !
                            It is not at all durable ! If anything is compared to FZ 25 and Dominar then it would be Duke 250 and Duke 200
                            Please stay away from NS and RS both are not good in terms of quality , and if top speed and performance is only the concern , its fine .

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Dominar or fz25 or tb350

                              Wait till 6 dec and check TVS 310 then decide.
                              Maybe an answer to all your queries

                              Comment

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